Gracie Gold leaps high in the air during the Ladie’s Short Program at the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships held at Budweiser Gardens on Thursday afternoon (March 14) in London, Ontario, Canada.

“The U.S. ladies team is here to get that third spot back,” Ashley, 21, shared with press. “It’s almost a personal agenda. I was the person most directly affected last Olympics and I want that third spot back. We’ve been trying for too long to get it back.”

In order for the U.S. team to get those three spots, they need to finish with placements that total 13 or less. With Ashley‘s 5th, and Gracie‘s 9th, they’re well on their way!

Gracie added about her own performance, “The short program is harder for me than my long program but I do love it and know I can skate it really well so I’m glad that I showed the judges and the audience and everyone watching what I can do under pressure.”